Parishioners Weigh in on Accusations against Archbishop

By Allen Costantini
KARE
December 17, 2013

http://www.kare11.com/story/news/local/2013/12/17/parishioners-on-accusations-against-archbishop/4079539/

[with video]

Reaction to Archbishop John Nienstedt's suspension of his public ministry was mixed on Tuesday.

Nienstedt announced in a letter that he was "stepping aside" while an investigation is underway of an alleged sexual abuse involving the church leader.

According to information from the Archdiocese, a young man alleged that Nienstedt touched his buttocks during a public photo opportunity following a confirmation ceremony in 2009. A person required to report such allegations told the Archdiocese, then the police.

St. Paul Police are investigating the allegation.

Nienstedt denied the claim in his letter, writing "I do not know the individual involved; he has not been made known to me. I presume he is sincere in believing what he claims, but I must say that this allegation is absolutely and entirely false."

Speaking after the noon Mass at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis, parishioners opinions varied on the cleric's action.

"I think it is very sad," said Robin Ayers, of Stillwater. "I am going into daily prayer and I will pray for Archbishop Nienstedt and hope that truth and transparency does come out."

"I think that everyone is held accountable," said Paul Lyverm of Plymouth. "I am a firm believer in my faith and the Catholic religion, but everyone is held accountable."

"He is a wonderful man," said Amy Glasscock, of Plymouth. "There is a lot of hearsay. Who knows what really happened? He is under a lot of pressure and attacks. I do not know why he did that. Why would he step down? I have no idea."

Frank Meuers of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) was direct in his assessment of the Archbishop's action.

"I think it is the correct step. I was hoping that that was a step that would have been taken a long time ago. What I heard was he would step aside until this recent allegation was handled, however, they are going to handle it, but we have tons of allegations that are more than allegations and he has never stepped aside for that."

Barbara Dorris, of Saint Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, issued a statement saying Nienstedt "is right to step aside."

Dorris also criticized the actions of the person who first received the report of alleged abuse.

"He or she should have called police directly. It is disturbing that, even now, two decades after Twin Cities Catholic officials pledged to "reform" their handling of clergy sex cases, a Catholic staffer apparently still reports suspected abuse first to archdiocesan officials instead of law enforcement officials."